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llustration courtesy of Lanette Behiry, Real Estate News

    The National Association of Realtors (NAR) was in crisis when Bob Goldberg resigned in November 2023. The board hired Nykia Wright, a former media executive with no real‑estate background, as interim CEO. Wright had already guided the Chicago Sun‑Times through a major merger and overhaul, a record that convinced President Tracy Kasper the association needed a transformational leader.

    Ten months into her role, Wright set an ambitious goal: make NAR the world’s leading trade organization. She acknowledged that scandals and lawsuits had eroded confidence and pledged to rebuild trust by re‑engaging disaffected members. In an August 2024 podcast she said NAR must “figure out how to bring people back into the fold.” At the NAR NXT conference in November she recognized lingering discontent over membership rules and policy control, yet expressed confidence that 2025 would shift the narrative from size to effectiveness.

    Wright began reshaping the leadership team. She appointed a chief human‑resources officer to align talent with strategy, then brought in Sherry Chris as special advisor to mend industry relationships. Two weeks later, Jarrod Grasso became the first director of industry relations, focusing on MLS and outreach. February and March saw new general counsel and CFO, while March layoffs cut 61 positions—41 staff and 20 open roles—to streamline operations.

    She openly addressed NAR’s communication gaps, stating at a NAHREP panel that the association was “on a feedback mission.” Brokerage leaders had described the old NAR as dysfunctional, financially reckless, opaque, and unaccountable. Wright vowed to change that perception.

    In October she announced the launch of NAR’s inaugural annual report and a three‑year strategic plan, informed by member input. The plan, unveiled at NAR NXT 2025, contains 75 projects and 24 initiatives across eight commitment areas: compliance, disciplined budgeting, risk mitigation, transparency, and member satisfaction, among others. The leadership team has already begun implementing the plan ahead of its official January 1 launch, as Wright told the Playmakers podcast.

    Wright has called leading NAR through this turbulent period “the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” but she believes the effort will pay off. “I expect 2026 to be the most transformational year for NAR in at least the last twenty years,” she said.